Graydon Sealy Secondary goes ‘pink’

by Anesta Henry

Students and staff of the Graydon Sealy Secondary School spent the day showing support towards raising awareness on breast cancer.

Although the activities were restricted due to the COVID-19 protocols, the event saw teachers receiving breast screening, students highlighting aspects of breast cancer through a poem presentation competition as well as a Breast Cancer Awareness Workshop. Students and teachers also came to school dressed in pink, as they marked “GSS Pink Day”.

Teacher Brian Parris who assisted in coordinating the activities said this is the second year that Pink Day is being hosted to sensitize students on breast cancer awareness, and also to teach them the importance of joining the fight through supporting the work of the Barbados Cancer Society.

Parris said last year the students produced a huge ribbon in the courtyard, but could not do the same this year because of the COVID-19 restrictions.

“This year, we have the students submitting poems, posters and powerpoint presentations to showcase that they know the dire need for breast cancer awareness.

“Then we are going to have a workshop for the upper fifth students so that they understand how to detect breast cancer at an early stage,” Parris said.

Student Rashoun Archer said he appreciated the idea of breast screening in light of the fact that there are those who do not know their body well and require additional assistance in ensuring that they are free of illnesses, including breast cancer.

Archer’s classmate Alissa Roberts said: “The whole idea of breast cancer awareness is to bring awareness because we don’t know what goes on inside and it is best that even if it is just once, that we take the time to know what is going on inside of your body and become aware of your health and know what could be wrong.

“I also think it is a good idea to bring awareness to the subject because it is something that people don’t really take into consideration as much as other diseases. It is best that we all take the time to learn our bodies and spread awareness.” (anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb)